A “Must Read” Commentary on Daniel
I am currently preaching through Daniel in my church and of the 35 commentaries I’m using in my study of Daniel – this book by Pierce – would be ranked in the top 10 for the following 5 reasons:
(1) User friendly – Each chapter is divided into a short pericope (there are 29 chapters in the book based on an exposition of the text; as well as four additional chapters that discuss additional insights on key themes in the book).
(2) Each chapter has a is divided into several helpful and brief sections: 1. Understanding the Text (The Text in Context; Historical and Cultural Background; Interpretive Insights; Key Themes; and Theological Insights); 2. How to Teach/Preach the Text; 3. Helps on Illustrating the Text.
(3) Ronald W. Pierce does an excellent job of describing different interpretations of the text without being overly dogmatic in any particular category of interpretation. He offers a balanced style of interpretation and keeps the focus on the major themes in its canonical context (biblical theology).
(4) The commentary is full of maps; color photographs; archaeological finds; graphs; sidebars; and tables to help you “see” or visualize what’s happening in the text. It is a very helpful feature that is rare in older commentaries.
(5) Brevity. Pierce gives the essentials of what you need to know as a busy pastor or student of God’s Word. It’s practical; and yet provides quick and concise help when dealing with tough and controversial passages.
I highly recommend this commentary for anyone who wants to know, apply, and teach the book of Daniel.
LifeCoach4God 
Read your review and it’s helpful. Just curious to know what commentaries are in your top 5 as you work through Daniel.
Hello, sorry for the long wait in reply. I’ve been away on vacation and without computer access during that time. I think the most helpful commentaries to me thus far in preaching through Daniel have been the following: Daniel (Expositional Commentary) by James Montgomery Boice; Against the Flow: The Inspiration of Daniel in an age of Relativism by John C. Lennox; The Gospel According to Daniel by Bryan Chappell; Daniel (Reformed Expositional Commentary) by Iain Duguid; Daniel by Sincalir Ferguson; Preaching Christ from Daniel by Sidney Greidanus and Daniel by Paul Helm – I like these commentaries because of their Christocentric emphasis; In terms of eschatology I prefer the treatment by John Walvoord, David Jeremiah, and Warren Wiersbe. Hope this helps! Enjoy your study of Daniel.
Thanks. I almost overlooked Boice and Greidanus’ works, as I was thinking more of Longman, Goldingay, Collins’, Young and the like kind of commentaries.